March 4th, 2025 – Later this month, progressive metal band Derev is set to release their first full-length album, “Troubled Mind,” before then going on tour. In promoting the album, the band is sharing their next single “Tides of Time”, accompanied by a music video. Showcasing the distress of “cognitive immobility”, the track is a mental trap that leads to an effort to recreate past incidents that one lived in the past. In doing so, the person attempts to retrieve what was left behind, leaving them stuck in a place existing no longer in reality.

Drummer Michel Karakach shares:

“Leaving my hometown in Syria at the age of 25, after having built so many wonderful friendships, memories, and experiences was a struggle I never knew I’d have to deal with until I did. Finding myself reminiscing over and over about my past life inspired me to write about it as a form of therapy. I never knew this was an actual mental diagnosis until I did some research on it.”

While “Tides of Time” may sound simple and straightforward for first-time listeners, the truth is far from it. Well-trained ears will hear that this song is filled with hidden gems and rhythmic intricacies. For example, it features a 7/8 time signature layered over a pulsing 4/4 backbeat, creating a mesmerizing polyrhythmic loop throughout. Sonically, the song progresses from a mellow, slow vibe to an intense, epic crescendo, and a standout guitar solo seamlessly ties all the elements together. Towards the end, it forms an endless loop, concluding with the same opening bass riff.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Tides of Time” via its premiere on Prog-Sphere HERE.

Background

“Troubled Mind” is Derev’s first full-length and second release to follow their 2021 debut EP “Leap of Faith”. Derev was conceived by founding member Michel Karakach, after fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada. There, the drummer reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian. Together, they turned what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

The album offers a diverse range of sounds, and builds on Derev’s first release. It has everything from mellow, calm tracks, to adrenaline-pumping heavy headbangers. Furthermore, parts of the album experiment. Some tracks incorporate more prominent keyboard parts. Others explore various time signatures. or introduce new instruments such as the Cajon, Darbuka, and electronic elements. This evolution showcases Derev’s innovative spirit and commitment to pushing musical boundaries while still maintaining their distinctive Middle East-enriched progressive rock sounds.

“While our debut EP tackled broad themes like war, technology, and injustice in the world, Troubled Mind shifts focus to the personal realm. We wanted to explore and articulate various mental states, the subtle thoughts, and inner dialogues that when nurtured and fed over time, makes us who we are. While we offer some kind of resolution in a few tracks, the purpose of the album is to explore and highlight these different states of mind, rather than try to resolve them.” adds the band.

Other Personnel

Additionally, Derev‘s dynamic lineup includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev‘s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons. Symons replaces previous singer Adel Saflou, featured on “Troubled Mind”.

Previous Singles

Lyric Video – “Cyclone” – https://youtu.be/1il9zsnxl0U​

Animated Video – “Room 9” – https://youtu.be/ryl-vajc7-M​

Spotify – https://show.co/XRS9Tlm​

Troubled Mind ON/ QC Tour​

• March 1 – London, ON – Richmond’s Tavern w/ Swearcrow
• March 15 – Barrie, ON – The Queens w/ Kill/Death Radio & Cudbear
• March 22 – Toronto, ON – The Supermarket w/ Magnavita & St. Doval, and Rod Rodrigues
• March 28 – Waterloo, ON – Midnight Run Café w/ Local Goblin
• March 29 – Guelph, ON – The Red Papaya w/ Jupiter Hollow, Crown For A King, and Exolithic
• April 5 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar w/ World On Alert & Vinyl Hero
• April 11 – Hamilton, QC – Club Absinthe w/ 8 Banger, Hollow Core, Bad Communication
• April 12 – Brantford, ON – Brandi’s Kitchen & Bar w/ Jupiter Hollow & Guests
• April 25 – Kingston, ON – The Mansion w/ Mad Wet Sea & Guests

Scheduled for release on March 26, 2025, Derev‘s debut album “Troubled Mind” promises to be an introspective journey, offering listeners a relatable experience with mental health and its struggles. Accordingly, with its evocative soundscapes and emotional depth, the album is a must-listen for fans of progressive heavyweights like Opeth, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree

Album pre-order at https://www.derevmusic.com/store (Vinyl, CD, Tour Pass)